They say that dogs can be our greatest teachers. I would agree. But somehow the word “teacher” is not sufficient to describe Chassy, my Great Dane/Greyhound who was laid to rest last week after a 6 month battle with cancer. Chassy was more of a Professor of Psychology, Philosophy Scholar, and Spiritual Guru all rolled into one. And I’d like to share some of the wisdom I gained from having her in my life.
1) Don’t let your past define you. Chassy came to us via Great Dane Rescue at the age of 2. She had a gash over one eye, a case of heart worms, and something far less easily mended- a broken spirit. She had endured a horrific past that included neglect and severe abuse, leaving her with a distrust of people, especially men, and episodes of fear-based aggression. It is not uncommon for dogs with a past like hers to be euthanized for biting someone, or for chronic fighting with other dogs. And it is not uncommon for a person with a past like hers to have great difficulty in relationships, work, and general functioning, and to require psychiatric care their entire lives. Read the rest of this entry »
Life lessons from my dog
Cats, the Musical (or Benefits of a Raw Diet for Cats)
My two cats, Pearl and Elwood, just celebrated their 4th birthday. Now just because I’m blogging about them, I don’t want you to assume that I’m one of those “crazy cat ladies”. You know, the kind who dotes incessantly over her “babies”, goes on and on about them to anyone who will listen, dresses them up in costumes…
Well I just want to make one thing clear…I have NEVER dressed my cats up in costumes….
Unless you count that time I had them wear top hats, but come on, that was only for a musical number we were doing.
Anyway…I’ve been pondering how best to approach this topic as I know it will challenge some long-held beliefs and default habits. But, just as I have learned that there is a better, simpler, and natural way to achieve optimal health in people, I maintain that the same is true for our pets. Read the rest of this entry »
The Sure Thing
What’s your “Sure Thing”? No, not the one from the 1980′s movie with John Cusack, though that is a funny film and one that holds up over time. And no, not that thing that always gets you going in bed…My goodness, this isn’t that kind of blog!
No, I’m talking about the thing that will always make you smile. The thing where all you have to do is look at it, and it takes you out of wherever your head is at the time, interrupts a negative thought cycle, and puts you in a better frame of mind.
This is mine: 
Read the rest of this entry »